Pete Licata of Parisi Artisan Coffee in Kansas City, Missouri took the top spot at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s 2013 United States Barista Championship (USBC). Licata beat out other top baristas and coffeehouse professionals during a heated competition that took place April 11-14, 2013 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, in Boston, MA. The annual U.S. Barista Championship recognizes achievement in the art and skill of espresso drink preparation and service.

During the competition, the most skilled and professional baristas from around the country showcased their skills and professionalism. Each barista prepared and served 12 orders, including four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation, all within a 15-minute timeframe. As they created their coffee beverages, contestants engaged the judges and explained their actions and selections while expertly working the competition’s official espresso machine, Nuova Simonelli, Aurelia machine, and the official grinder, Mahlkoenig Vario K-30. Seven USBC-certified judges, including one head judge, two technical judges and four sensory judges, carefully evaluated and scored each of the contenders. Judges focused on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.

Pete Licata will represent the United States at the World Barista Championship in Melbourne, Australia, May 23-26, 2013.

Additionally, the US Brewers Cup was held at the Exposition. The 2013 US Brewers Cup Champion is Erin McCarthy of Counter Culture Coffee.

The US Brewers Cup was created to recognize and celebrate the art of manual coffee brewing. The winner will also go on to Melbourne, Australia to represent the U.S. in the 2013 World Brewers Cup Championship, organized by World Coffee Events (WCE), the premier producer of events for the coffee community worldwide that engage the specialty coffee community and promote coffee excellence. WCE is founded by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) and the Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA). For more information, visit www.worldcoffeeevents.org. To learn more about the United States Barista Championship or US Brewers Cup, visit www.usbaristachampionship.org.